20cm tall, 39cm long Dance mask. Wood sculpted... Lot 33

20cm tall, 39cm long Dance mask. Wood sculpted with triangle-shaped engravings painted in polychrome. Animal-shaped helmet mask that combines the form of a bird with a beak and an antelope with a curved horn on the back. Animals depicted include birds, chickens, antelopes etc., with the masks also portraying certain aspects from the animals.Each mask belongs to an individual and practically all types can be found in a village made up of different clans. They were always worn with heavy raphia garments that hid the identity of the dancer. PROVENANCE “Le Village Swisse” Gallery of René Garcia (Paris); Former collection of Orio Ciferri (Pavia) Acquired by René Garcia in 1990, con expertise; Former private collection (1999);